Two-phase flow transient simulation of severe slugging in pipeline-risers systems

• Main Authors: Hernandez, G, Asuaje, M, Kenyery, F, Tremante, A, Aguillon, O, Vidal, A, Mahinpey, N, Vejahati, F, Ellis, N
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Flooding; Gas density; Model accuracy; Multiphase flow; Natural gas; Offshore drilling rigs; Offshore platforms; Penetration; Pipeline design; Pipelines; Risers; Single-phase flow; Slug flow; Two phase flow
• ISSN: 1746-4471; 1743-3533
• DOI: 10.2495/MPF070051

Pipeline-risers systems are frequently encountered in the petroleum industry, especially in the offshore platforms. Single-phase flow does not involve significant troubles in the operations through these arrangements. However, during multiphase flow, flooding of the separation facilities could be expected due to the generation of severe slugs at the bottom of the riser. The size and frequency of the slugs are functions of the accumulation and displacement of liquid at the base of the riser and can be controlled with an adequate model. An improved transient model is presented to simulate severe slugging phenomenon in pipeline-risers systems. Gas penetration is described thoroughly since the first bubble penetrates into the riser until it reaches the top of it. The model presents improvements in the characteristics method applications including a correction for the gas density deviation caused by the nonfixed space-time resolution during the gas penetration. The results were compared with experimental data and previous models showing better accuracy. The model can be used to design new pipeline riser-systems or to adjust the operation of existing systems to prevent the occurrence of severe slug flow.